# Article: OBS Basic Setup Guide

**URL:** <https://community.startech.com/t/article-obs-basic-setup-guide/1871>\
**Category:** Cards, Drive Accessories, Tools\
**Created:** [January 13, 2026, 8:56pm UTC](https://community.startech.com/t/article-obs-basic-setup-guide/1871 "2026-01-13T20:56:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![EmmanuelB](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex012/user_avatar/community.startech.com/emmanuelb/32/24_2.png) [@EmmanuelB](https://community.startech.com/u/EmmanuelB)\
**Post date:** [January 13, 2026, 8:56pm UTC](https://community.startech.com/t/article-obs-basic-setup-guide/1871/1 "2026-01-13T20:56:22Z")

</div>

## Using Your [StarTech.com](http://StarTech.com) Capture Device with OBS (Basic Setup)

 ![image](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex012/uploads/startester/original/1X/63e99384c81c4554d0d230d80547705bd7a3524e.jpeg)

OBS Studio is a popular, free application used for recording and live streaming. Most of our capture devices work with OBS as standard “Video Capture Devices,” which makes setup straightforward.

This guide walks you through the basic steps to:

- Connect your capture device
- Add it as a source in OBS
- Select the correct video and audio inputs
- Confirm that everything is working

> **Note:** Screens and wording may vary slightly depending on your OBS version and operating system, but the overall process is the same.

* * *

## Before You Start

Make sure you have:

- **OBS Studio installed**

- **A [StarTech.com](http://StarTech.com) capture device**

- **All cables connected**

Once your hardware is connected and powered on, you’re ready to configure OBS.

* * *

## Step 1 – Add Your Device as a Video Source

1. Open **OBS Studio**.

2. In the bottom-left of the window, next to the **Scene** box, you should see a **Sources** box.

3. Click the **“+”** button under _Sources_.

4. Select **“Video Capture Device”** from the list.  

5. In the **Create/Select Source** window:

This will open the properties window for the new source.

* * *

## Step 2 – Select the Capture Device in OBS

In the **Properties** window for your new Video Capture Device:

1. Open the **“Device”** drop-down menu.

2. Select your specific capture device from the list.  

3. After selecting the device, OBS should show a **live video preview** from your source in the little preview window.

4. If you’re using our **USB3HDCAP** , scroll down to the **Audio** section, enable **“Use custom audio device”** , and then select the **USB3HDCAP (or similarly named)** audio device from the drop-down list so OBS can capture sound from the card.  

5. Click **OK** to add the device to your scene.

If you don’t see a preview yet, make sure your video source device is currently powered ON, connected to our capture device and actively playing (or showing) something.

* * *

## Input Source selection

#### → If your capture device supports multiple video inputs (for example, HDMI vs. component/composite):

1. Right-click your capture source in the **Sources** list.

2. Select **“Properties”**.

3. Then click on **“Configure Video”**.  

4. Use the device’s configuration menu to select the correct **input type** (HDMI, component, composite, etc.) that matches your physical connection.  

* * *

## Quick Tips

- **Use USB 3.0 where required (e.g., USB3HDCAP)**  
Many HD capture devices need a **USB 3.0 port** for full performance. Using USB 2.0 can cause limitations or no video, even if the device appears in OBS.

- **Select the correct input on multi-input devices**  
If your capture device has multiple input types, make sure the input selected in its configuration matches the physical connection you’re using.

- **Check source order in OBS**  
If you added multiple sources (images, browser windows, other cameras), ensure your capture device source is not hidden behind another source. In the _Sources_ list, you can drag it above or below others.

* * *

With these steps, your [StarTech.com](http://StarTech.com) capture device should be ready to use in OBS for recording or streaming. Once the device is added and working, you can continue customizing scenes, overlays, and other advanced OBS features to match your workflow.

> → For any additional information about OBS features, settings, or advanced usage, we recommend visiting the official OBS website, checking their community guides, or exploring other trusted resources to help you get the most out of this powerful tool.